What is Sin?

The fear of the LORD leads to life:
Then one rests content, untouched by trouble. —Proverbs 19:23

USA Today, on March 19^th, reported on the state of sin in America. In an article titled “Has the notion of sin been lost?” the Nations’ Newspaper explores what people think about sin. The article highlights a study done by Ellison Research about sin. For purposes of the study, sin is defined as “something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective." We will examine this definition in a moment. First, here are some acts that Americans classify as sin. Next to each “sin” is the percentage of those surveyed who agreed that the action really is sin.

WHAT AMERICANS CALL SIN
• Adultery: 81%

• Racism: 74%

• Using "hard" drugs, such as cocaine, LSD: 65%

• Not saying anything if a cashier gives you too much change: 63%

• Having an abortion: 56%

• Homosexual activity or sex: 52%

• Not reporting some income on your tax returns: 52%

• Reading or watching pornography: 50%

• Gossip: 47%

• Swearing: 46%

• Sex before marriage: 45%

• Homosexual thoughts: 44%

• Sexual thoughts about someone you are not married to: 43%

• Doing things as a consumer that harm the environment: 41%

• Smoking marijuana: 41%

• Getting drunk: 41%

• Gambling: 30%

• Not attending church or religious services regularly: 18%

• Drinking any alcohol: 14%

Taken as a whole it is striking to see “sin” discussed in terms of human qualification. There appears to be no awareness of God and his holiness in this list of sins. Apparently, the fear of God is not relevant to sin.

Why is this important? It is important because this article reflects our culture; it highlights for us the influence of the enemy on our world. Consider the definition of sin used in this article: something that is almost always considered wrong, particularly from a religious or moral perspective. Considered wrong by whom? This definition reveals deference to man rather than reverence for God. God does not give us categories like “almost always wrong.” The Bible does not define sin by taking opinion polls. On the contrary, the Bible gives us unequivocal, explicit statements about the way things are. For example, our proverb this week says that the fear of God leads to life and contentment. What simple, clear wisdom! Our culture craves contentment with an oxymoronic passion.

Men, your wives and children are active participants in a culture that understands sin as described above! How will you define sin for them? How will you help them recognize sin when they see it?

After studying the Scriptures, particularly Romans 1:18-25, Tim Keller describes sin this way: “Sin is building your life and meaning on anything, even a very good thing, more than on God.” This definition includes breaking God’s law, but it also provides us with the opportunity to show how pervasive and deceptive sin is to those who have no concept of biblical morality or authority.

Men, we have the charge from God to teach and protect our families in this culture . Sin is wrong because God says it is. Building one’s life on anything other than the fear of our awesome God will lead to destruction (Matthew 7:24-27).

This week give specific thought as to how you are preparing your family to deal with a culture that defines sin as “acts that are almost always wrong.” This attitude leads to 55% of the culture believing that sex before marriage is not a sin.

• How will you prepare your children to address this issue (and many more)?
• How is the fear of God influencing the things you do every day?
• What are some specific ways the fear of God leads to contentment?